"Life is Either a Daring Adventure..."

 "... or nothing at all." ~ Helen Keller

At Guam International Airport Ready for

 

our 11am flight into Narita, Japan.

    Hey guys, here's Part II of my Sistercation adventures. Part I is here. My sister and her husband are enjoying Guam and we had a family BBQ this past Sunday prior to Lita and I going to Japan for a few days. The plan was to spend three days and two nights in Narita, make our way to Harajuku and the Takeshita Dori so that my sister could experience the train rides and do a bit of shopping. We arrived at the Guam Airport without any major issues, except for a lot of rain, ugh. We parked my car, and had to run for the building. Haha! A bit wet, we made our way to the TSA line. Once we made it to our gate, the plan was to get into Narita, catch the shuttle bus to our hotel, check in and then head to Aeon Mall for a bit of shopping.

In the taxi to Aeon Mall.

We ended up taking a taxi to the mall only because the shuttle bus wasn't for another hour and we were ready to eat dinner. Once there we got some fresh fruit and snacks for our hotel room. We strolled the 1st floor first and then headed to the 2nd floor. My sister isn't really into sushi, so we ate at Burger King for dinner. We found some cute things at a Hobby shop, and played some Gatcha machines too. The Daiso had some items like toiletries we'd need for the next three days.

Cute Baby Nanci, I wish I could take her home! LOL

Found a hat for my hubby!

Baskin Robbins Cotton Candy ice cream, Yum!

After Daiso, we called it a night and headed to the shuttle bus depot to catch it and head back to our hotel. The line was short, when we got there, but as soon as the bus was parked, my gosh that line got crazy crowded. We almost missed the bus, because he parked further back since another bus there. We got in and it was standing room only!! Luckily, once the bus stopped at the first hotel, then there was room. Whew! We got to our hotel and we were in for the night.

Avacado and Cheddar Doritos!! Were yummy!

They didn't have strawberry sandwich so I got this one!

I had to get myself one!! Kind of expensive though.

 The next morning both Lita and I got up early, I mean 4am early! Haha! Just relaxed, showered, and waited for our time to head over to the breakfast buffet. We were the first ones to the restaurant. Once in we ate, had our fill and made our way back to our room to change and get ready for the day! The plan was to catch the shuttle bus back to the airport but at Terminal 2 and get our tickets for the Keisei Line into Tokyo, then catch the JR Yamanote line for Harajuku.

Breakfast buffet, was delicious! Yes, that's Melon soda!Ha

Our Keisei Line ticket with reserve seats.

The lady at the train ticket counter was so sweet, she even helped us get tickets to the JR line, and gave us directions. Once on our reserved seated train, we just relaxed and took in the scenery. There were a lot of stops and we arrived at the JR line about an hour and a half later. Once at the JR Yamanote line, we kind of got lost trying to figure out which train track to go too. Haha! But, we found it with a bit of help from a shop keeper. Once on the JR line, Lita got to experience the crazy morning rush with all the suits and teen school kids headed out. She was surprised at how crowded the train was and that personal space, was feeling a bit violated. Haha! 

Once at our stop for Harajuku, we got out and I tried to remember how to get to Takeshita Dori from the train. My memory was foggy and the last time I had been there was 2015 with my family!! LOL The rain didn't help anything either. We just ran across the street and went into a little doorway, waiting a bit. A young woman was heading into a cat cafe and I asked her how to get to the street and she directed us. But before we headed toward the street we decided to get out of the rain and go to the Starbucks to wait it out. 

Starbucks for a break! Mango smoothie!

We made it to Takeshita Dori!!

We left through the back side of Starbucks an found a street that took us into Takeshita. We could see Daiso from the street we walked out of. It was still sprinkling a lot so we headed to Daiso first! Three floors of cute! Lit and I headed to the first floor, it was so crowded. We didn't stay on 1st floor for long and then we headed to 3rd floor next. After 2nd floor. It was good, lots of cute things to buy, but I mainly liked what I found on the 2nd floor, some Rose of Versailles merch!! Yup, Merch!! I made sure to grab all the styles I could! So I got a makeup case, glasses case, bento bag, wash cloth, and smaller makeup case.

Rose of Versailles Merch from Daiso!!

Airport Terminal 2 shopping.

When we left Daiso, we made our way to Mcdonald's for lunch and it was still raining. Ugh. My sister was tired and we just didn't want to wade through the somewhat crowded street and in the rain. So we made our way back to the JR line. I told her we could head back to the airport and shop there, and she agreed. So back onto the JR line and this time because it was only 11am still there was no crowd on the train. We also took the non stop Keisei Line back tot he airport. Yay and got there by 1pm. Ate at a Japanese curry restaurant and then did more shopping. I sat while Lita enjoyed looking around.

Last breakfast before heading back...

When she had her fill of shopping, we caught the shuttle bus back to our hotel and bought some snacks for that night. We just relaxed packed our bags and planned for the next day and catching the shuttle bus back to the airport for our flight back to Guam. We had breakfast at the Buffet, went back to our room, dressed and were ready for the airport. Once at the airport, we did some last minute shopping for family. Then sat at our gate ready for our flight. We arrived back on island by 3pm that day. I told my sister at least we tried and made it to Takeshita Dori as planned. It was a great Sistercation adventure and with my first best friend, my sister! Now her vacation is coming to a close and it will be time to head back to WA.

I'm so glad I made the trip to WA and spending time with my sister was a dream. I will definitely try to visit her again next year. I hope she enjoyed it as well and her partner. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to experience things and I'm glad I was able to help my sister do that!

Happy October guys! More on finds next time!

Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls

 

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Harajuku for a day!

Back in December, my husband had told us that for our Christmas gift, as a family we'd go to Japan for a day! The girls and I had been patiently awaiting when that day would come, and today was that day! Earlier past week, I had been doing some research as to where we would go in Japan. So, I knew my husband loves the "Old World" style of Japan, with its shrines, temples, and parks, while myself and my daughters love the shopping and the food, mostly! LOL

So, to try to keep us all happy, I figured we could all go to Osaka, Japan for the day. I did my research and found many temples, castles and shrines we could visit along with the museum that had "Tim Burton's" art displayed... We were so excited to be going!

Sadly, the day before our trip, the flight into Osaka was a minus 34 seats! What does that mean? It meant we couldn't go. Sam figured that there must be a meeting of sorts for the company and they held back 34 seats... So, that early Friday morning, he and I talked about where else we could go?

Nagoya, Narita, Sapporo?...hmm! Sam has seen Nagoya, but he's never been outside of the Narita Airport. So, I switched gears and did a quick few hours research of Narita and where in Tokyo we could go that would satisfy everyone?! I decided on Harajuku! I know, your thinking because of the cosplay costumes, etc., right?! Nope, it was because, there was a park, a shrine, a 100yen store, and Kiddyland. That caught my attention to satisfying the needs of everyone! Or at least I'd hope it would?! I planned out our day trip, where to go and how to get there so that we would make it to the three main places in the plan... Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, Daiso Store, and Kiddyland!

Our flight left out early Saturday morning about 6:55am, from Guam to Narita, Japan. We landed, went through the usual passport, then customs, and finally, the first floor to the outside of Narita Airport. First stop, money exchange, next Narita Express...

 In Business Class with the hubby! Not bad for a three hour flight! Yup, I do all the writing too! Below, filling out customs forms to be ready!

We got our round trip tickets on the Narita Express train, I sat with Tabytha, while Sam was with Sara in front of us...

 The adventure began...

 Sara enjoyed sitting with her Dad and looking out the window of the Narita Express train!

We got off at the Niporri Station for a quick look! Then, back into the Jr Line to take the Yamanote Line into Harajuku Station...

On the Yamanote Line, it was a bit of a long ride, but were were excited!

 Once outside of the Harajuku Station. We headed straight to Takeshita Dori! Below. A street filled with shops, stores, and restaurants!

 We ate first, then started our walk thru the street and found the 100yen Store/ Daiso!

 Four amazing floors of 100yen goodness too! So much to see and want, but we ended up coming out with just a small bag of goodies. I was so worried about time that we did only a quick walk-through of the store. Mainly, 1st, 2nd, and 4th floors! Sara was already tired of walking!

 Above, and below, many shops you can see as you walk thru Takeshita!

 Our favorite was this place above, Sam wondered into this one area that had many flea market type shops. We found this T-shirt shop in the center and even gashapon machines! The girls were in heaven!

 But, to make time it was time to head back out to Harajuku Station for Yoyogi Park on the other side!! Above, a sea of people walking and I loved the Billboards of a manga love story!!

 Heading back the other way... One of my favorite photos below, of father and daughter!

 Let's rest our 'tootsies' pleease! Whew, because I have a foot condition(since birth), I can only walk so far, then have to rest! So, this little one below, rested with me! Thank you Sara!

 We made it to the other side of the train station! Yoyogi Park entrance. Look at this amazing huge gate! Gigantic and there were so many other visitors too! I am very humble by the beauty of Japan, the people, and their country. My husband believes I must have been Japanese in a past life! I tend to agree with him!

 The landscape is gorgeous and seeing the trees, we could hear a crow making noise not far from where we stood. Even with tired feet, we continued down this road to the nearest restroom for a break.

 From a bridge, at the center of the walk, a babbling little stream, to beautiful to pass up, and take a photo!

We decided to have some ice cream and rest our feet again. Then, Sam wanted to go to a blue bridge or crosswalk he had seen by the entrance to Yoyogi. He and Sara went up there to take photos of the Yoyogi Stadium.

 Below, a street sign, that Taby and I stood by, while waiting for Sam and Sara to come back from the bridge.

This street, Omotesando, is the street we should've taken to see the Kiddyland store, but because we had to catch the Narita Express back to the airport, we decided not to go there. I felt bad, as it was something I thought Sara would love... Maybe next time?!

 On the walk back to Harajuku Station, there were people standing around looking at these two meercats! Too cute!

 There also was a gentleman doing anime caricatures. Wow! You in Anime! Nice!

 Then, a man with his puppet Monkey! Sara was a bit shy to say hello!

Back on the Narita Express, so we don't miss the last train! Sara showing me her "Princess Peach" Gatcha Gatcha/ Gashapon toy from Takeshita Dori!

We made it into Narita Airport with time to spare, so we had dinner there, and also did a bit of shopping as well!

It was a long day, our feet hurt and we were exhausted. The weather was not too cold, and the rain cleared up by the end of the day. Still, even though we didn't make it to the Meiji Shrine and Kiddyland. At least we had a "Family adventure"! Our flight back home, came in about 1am! We had been up for almost 24 hours! We just changed out our clothes, and fell asleep! An awesome late Christmas gift! Thanks Daddy!

My Daiso spoils, and Gatcha Gatcha/Gashapon from the airport!! More on them later, sorry, I need a nap! LOL

Thanks for reading! ~ ggsdolls

"The Smells of Christmas..."

 "... Are the Smells of Childhood." ~ Richard Paul Evans.

Oh my goodness just 9 days until Christmas. I hope you are preparing for the holiday season and the reason for rejoicing this year! Here are some cute things that came into my hands...

These lovely miniature Gatchas by Takara Tomy Blow up Mascots. These are versions of the vintage ones sold in Japan and perhaps we have a different variety sold Stateside. I don't really collect them, but miniatures, I will. I picked up two sets and sold one. They are just too cute and the deer is my favorite! Below, I found this lovely vintage 1950s Donkey Party Game or "Pin the Tail on the Donkey". I fell in love with the artwork of the Donkey if you look closely, he looks a lot like one of those Meyercord decal!!

Below, a lovely plastic festival Mask of a deer named, "Hummingmint" by Sanrio. I just had to add it to my collection. She is very sweet. Next, I was commissioned to find some dolls for a fellow collector and I found many! Haha! Just glad I was able to help her acquire them. They are dolls my Madamemoiselle Yako. Rag dolls you can redress like regular fashion dolls. I heard that she will no longer make them sadly. So glad she got these!!

Then, Sara and I went to our local Donki and Daiso just to look around and I found some great items. Just look at all these plushies. I even found the same sleeping bear I saw back in October when my sister and I went to Daiso at Takeshita Dori!! This post here. Now, they are here on Guam, yay! But just like last time I didn't buy it. Just looked around and it was nice to see it on island. I did get some Christmas craft decorations, and made this lovely Alice and Christmas tree door hanger.

The door hanger was just the Christmas tree, and I found some bits and bobs to decorate it with along with Alice in Wonderland stickers. I trimmed the sticker and it looks like She was always on there! Haha! It turned out lovely too! Now hanging in my room... If you notice my MCM shelf from Germany is finally up on my wall again, Yay! Thanks to Taby! We went to Ross and saw some lovely Sanrio Hello Kitty and My Melody mugs too!

Last for now, are these adorable Swimmer Brand vintage plushies that remind me of Rushtons from the 70s with their plastic googly eyes!! I listed both in my shop and the bear sold out fast!!

Well, that is all for now and I hope you are feeling the holiday spirit! Until next time!

Thank you for reading! ~ ggsdolls